Nabumetone : Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is nabumetone?

Nabumetone belongs to the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It acts by blocking the activity of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX 2) (an enzyme secreted by inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, during pain or infection). COX 2 is responsible for the production of pain and swelling responses in the body.

Nabumetone blocks the secretion of the COX 2 enzyme, which reduces its activity, thus helping to relieve pain, swelling and fever.  

What are the uses of nabumetone?

The main action of nabumetone is to reduce pain, swelling and fever in inflammatory conditions. 

It is primarily used in painful arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease observed with ageing. It is characterised by painful, tender joints due to the wearing down of cartilage, supporting joints and bones. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body itself causes the swelling and degeneration of the lining of joints, which makes them painful and swollen. It can cause deformed joints and immobility. Nabumetone helps reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness and fever in these conditions. 

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    What are the side effects of nabumetone?

    Nabumetone can cause the following side effects:

    • Dizziness 
    • Headaches
    • Dry mouth 
    • Ulcers in the mouth
    • Gassy feeling 
    • Constipation 
    • Diarrhoea 
    • Sleep problems 
    • Increased perspiration 
    • Rashes, hives and swelling in the face
    • Reduced urination
    • Painful/ frequent urination
    • Dark urine
    • Blisters 
    • Flu-like symptoms
    • Fatigue and tiredness
    • Palpitation

    You should consult your physician if these side effects are severe or do not get better over time.

    What is Nabumetone

    Uses of Nabumetone

    Side effects of Nabumetone

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Nabumetone

    You can take nabumetone orally with water and with or without food as per the prescription given by your physician. However, nabumetone should be preferably taken after meals because it belongs to a class of drugs known to cause gastric problems such as stomach ulcers and gas. Therefore as a precaution take nabumetone after a meal.

    Nabumetone generally gets excreted out of your system after about 90-96 hours from your last dose. Most of the excretion of this drug is handled by the liver - the hepatic mechanism of excretion. After the breakdown from the liver, 80% of nabumetone remnants are excreted through the kidney as urine. The remainder would be excreted via faeces.

    Most muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, do not show any adverse drug interactions with nabumetone. However, a group of people taking nabumetone and chlorzoxazone were studied for drug interactions. Very few people exhibited specific symptoms such as stomach problems, serotonin syndrome (increased serotonin levels causing fever, shivering and increased heart rate), agitation, confusion, diarrhoea, kidney-related anaemia, possible psychotic disorders, chronic kidney disease in males, kidney failure and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

    You should consult your physician while taking any other muscle relaxants along with nabumetone. Get a free second opinion here.

    Yes, nabumetone can likely cause insomnia. Sleep disorders such as disturbed sleep, vivid dreams, and frequent night awakenings are some of the listed side effects of nabumetone. Hence, nabumetone should be taken with precaution for those with known issues with sleep and other sleep disorders. If you are prone to frequent night awakenings use nabumetone after consulting your doctor.

    No, nabumetone and gabapentin are two different types of medications. Nabumetone is an NSAID that works by blocking enzymes that cause pain and inflammation.

    Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines known as anticonvulsants and is used to treat seizures or relieve nerve-related pain in shingles. It acts by reducing the nerve excitement in the brain.

    Nabumetone has not been found to cause any severe/permanent damage to the liver. Based on published clinical data, only 1-2 cases per million have been reported to cause some severe liver problems after prolonged use of nabumetone. Therefore, it is a safe drug that can be taken even in compromised liver conditions without any major precautions needed.

    Nabumetone is found to cause a slight increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at different times of the day (day and night). However, it does not change the physiology of high blood pressure.

    In patients with heart conditions, nabumetone can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks or chronic high blood pressure.

    Nabumetone causes kidney problems on prolonged use. Some of its reported side effects are as follows:
    • Decrease or absence in urination
    • Painful or frequent urination
    • Dark-coloured urine
    • Blood in the urine
    Nabumetone should be taken with caution in the case of kidney ailments.

    Shortness of breath while taking nabumetone can be due to the following reasons:

    • Allergy to nabumetone (rashes, hives, swelling, rapid heart rate and laboured breathing)
    • Aggravated heart problems (stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure)
    • General psychiatric problems, headaches and confusion

    Therefore, it is advised to immediately consult your physician if you notice shortness of breath even after mild stress or exhaustion while taking nabumetone.

    Yes, nabumetone can aggravate heart problems in patients with pre-existing heart conditions such as heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. Do not take NSAIDs right before or after heart surgery. Do not take NSAIDs right before or after heart surgery. If you are taking nabumetone, inform your doctor before having heart surgery.